Dear MLTC Members

Here is an update from the MLTC Committee on the club’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. 

All Junior tennis related activity has been suspended for the foreseeable future. We are most grateful to Mark Franklin, our Lead Coach, for his understanding and support. 

Adult tennis related activity may continue, but with certain restrictions. Adult Coaching will take place with a maximum of four per group, and all players wishing to engage in social tennis are asked to follow the guidelines below, reproduced with the kind permission of Bath Tennis Club. 

Thank you in advance for your understanding in these difficult times.

Best wishes, Kevin 

Kevin Dunne

Secretary, Malton Lawn Tennis Club

www.maltontennis.co.uk

on behalf of the MLTC Committee

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THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS REPRODUCED WITH THE KIND PERMISSION OF BATH TENNIS CLUB

"While the LTA has suspended its organised activity, the Government has currently indicated that recreational exercise that takes place at a safe distance from others and in safe exercise environments is something that can continue during this period. After discussion with the LTA the advice is for us as a club to continue to make the club accessible, expressing it is up to the individual coaches, players and members whether they want to use and engage with the venue facilities and in what format.

To that end we are currently suggesting the following:

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

As with any other illness, all those involved in tennis in Britain are encouraged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid catching it by following Public Health England and NHS guidance.

Information on how to do this is provided on the NHS.UK website, with additional information available on the Public Health England blog.

Anyone who has been advised to self-isolate as a result of developing symptoms and/or recent international travel to destinations specified by the Government, should clearly not therefore take part in tennis activities for the duration of the self-isolation period. For further information see the Gov.uk website and the NHS.UK website.

As a club providing community leisure activities, the Government has advised that hand hygiene should be strongly promoted and encouraged. We have upscaled the cleaning of our clubhouse facilities which now takes place daily.

We as a club, in turn also advise:

 Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• consider wearing sports gloves whilst playing and then wash immediately afterwards
• refrain from physical contact during greetings, active celebrations and play
• follow the guidance on social distancing* (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people)

 Don’t

• attend the club if you, your children or members of your home are displaying any symptoms and self-isolate as per the government recommendations
• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• put tissues or handkerchiefs in your pocket along with the tennis balls
• drink from the mugs and glasses in the kitchen, but rather the paper cups provided – dispose immediately after use
• don’t bring or eat food at the club

Additionally, we recommend that you consider and follow the guidance outlined below:

 * What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). This can be achieved whilst also exercising at your tennis facility.

The measures are:

• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible; Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information;
• Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic.

The Vulnerable

For those who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, we strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can, and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible. This also extends to when considering playing tennis and the time which you wish to do so. This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness form coronavirus (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough), self-isolate at home for 7 days."